The British cyclist Mark Cavendish has been pulled out of the Tour of Romandie by his team for celebrating victory in the second stage with a two-fingered salute at critics.
Team Columbia issued a statement saying Cavendish was taken out of the Swiss tour because of his inappropriate actions after winning stage two of the race.
Cavendish had said he wanted to send a message to critics who know nothing about cycling.
But he has since apologised, saying making a rude gesture as he crossed the finish line was not the best way to send that message.
Under International Cycling Union regulations, Cavendish could be suspended for between one and six months for damaging the image of the sport.
